6 habits that help your skin

Featuring content from MediResource Inc.

Your skin is the largest organ of your body, a barrier to germs and injury, and a reflection of your internal health. When you're sick, stressed, or sleepy, it can show on your skin! And when you've done it the disservice of too much sun exposure, your skin becomes vulnerable to damage and begins to wrinkle and show other signs of aging. But if you follow skin-friendly habits your skin will glow with good health.

Your skin benefits from...

Good sleep. Getting a good night’s rest allows your skin to rebalance and repair. Sleep allows your body to hold on to moisture which prevents you from waking up with puffy eyes and allows you to have nice supple skin in the morning. When you sleep well, your body gets the time it needs to repair skin cells. The muscles of your face are also relaxed when you sleep, giving wrinkles a rest too. For best results, sleep on your back. That way, gravity works in your favour and you don't awaken to pillow lines and puffy under-eye circles.

Regular exercise. Physical activity boosts overall health, so it stands to reason that it also supports a healthy epidermis (the outer layer of the skin). Get moving to get your blood flowing, which in turn will increase circulation and cell turnover. Exercise is also a stress-reliever, saving your skin from a preventable source of damage. For best results, cleanse your skin after getting physical to clear away excess sweat that could clog pores or cause irritation.

Stress relief. Stress makes a mess of your skin in ways you can see and ways you can't. Frowns, scowls, and furrowed brows can deepen wrinkles. When overwhelmed by worry, you might skip out on your skin care routines. And nervous reactions release stress hormones that trigger blushing, flushing, and inflammation. Stress can also set off a flare-up in those with psoriasis or acne.

Cleansing with TLC. Use a mild cleanser when washing your face. Ensure to wash gently, with a soft touch and use a soft towel to dry your face. Exfoliating your skin helps to slough off dead, dry skin cells. Adding this to your skin care regime once a week will help with the appearance of your skin. Always follow up with a moisturizer formulated for your skin type to reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Sun protection. The sun is your skin's worst enemy. The ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause wrinkles, burns, and even skin cancer. Protect your skin by applying a good amount of broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and give yourself a half hour before heading outside. –And make sure you don’t forget to reapply every 2 hours. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses when you are outdoors is also a great way to block the sun from harming your skin and eyes. Remember, regular squinting due to the bright sun can cause wrinkling in the long run.

The right supplements. Eat a balanced diet so that your skin can get the nutrients it needs. Certain supplements can enhance the potential for healthy skin. Antioxidants such as Vitamins C and E help with repairing damaged cells from the sun. Fish oil and flaxseed oil provide omega-3 fatty acids, believed to plump up the skin for a smoother, younger-looking appearance. And omega-6 fatty acids from evening primrose oil supplements have shown potential against the dry, flaky, itchy skin of eczema.